HC Deb 29 June 1995 vol 262 cc752-3W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth if he will make it his policy to support the continued existence of UNCTAD. [31084]

Mr. Needham

I have been asked to reply.

The UK has consistently supported and will continue to support those of UNCTAD's activities which make a positive contribution to trade and development. But the world, and its international institutions, has changed since UNCTAD was established in 1964 and UNCTAD must change too. This has been recognised by its members who, at the last Trade and Development Board, agreed that the ninth conference, which is scheduled to be held in 1996, will consider the future role of UNCTAD. At its recent meeting in Halifax, the countries of the G7 also reaffirmed their commitment to change. The UK welcomes this opportunity for constructive reform and looks forward to achieving a satisfactory outcome.